Securing the signature of the vastly-experienced Swiss international was a coup last summer. Ranieri has since admitted that the 31-year-old was bought because he ­originally envisaged the ex-Napoli schemer providing protection in front of three centre-halves.

Unfortunately for Inler – who is desperate for a first-team spot as he has designs on ­representing his ­country in France in four months’ time – he was signed after the season had already started.

The pattern for the new ­campaign had already been set. Leicester’s 4-4-2 system was in place. It worked well. And so it was retained.

It was often said that the secret of Liverpool’s success during the 80s was the simplicity of their football. It ­certainly worked for Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest. And it is working at ­Leicester.

Ranieri is 64 and his bank of ­knowledge is being used to ­stunning effect.